Staff goodbye: A fond farewell to the best job in the world

My passion for writing served me well as the editor on my college’s newspaper in the early 70s. I interviewed politicians like Sen. Thomas Eagleton and rock stars like the Bee Gees. I wrote about student government and campus protests. I never imagined a future career as a college newspaper advisor.

Yet since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the advisor to the Liberty Champion where the students have interviewed political leaders like Mike Pompeo and rock stars like Michael Tate. In the early days, we worked with Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. who, at every opportunity he had, encouraged the students to be Champions for Christ in the field of journalism.

Over the years, we’ve published more than 600 issues and 10,000 pages, and we’ve won dozens of awards. Our web presence has resulted in nearly a million clicks a year. How exciting it has been to see that people around the world read our online stories.

I must thank administration for giving us numerous opportunities to grow, serve and learn — all so invaluable.

Thank you to professors, department heads and others who worked with the students to help them gain experience through interviewing and reporting events. Some of the stories were simple, while others presented complicated waters to navigate. Your encouragements or corrections helped guide the students along the way.

To my predecessor Ann Wharton, thank you for encouraging me to take this position and follow in your footsteps. To Emily DeFosse Young who is taking over as advisor, you have my prayers for much success. Enjoy this journey God has for you.

For those who served on the staff through the years, thank you for sharing prayer requests and celebrations. What a privilege it’s been to walk life’s journeys with you. Please keep the updates coming.

To my family, thank you for opening our home to students for Cincinnati chili and Graeter’s ice cream, and for cookouts and conversations around the fire pit.

Yes, I will be retiring Jan. 31. However, I will still be at Liberty, watching games, going to plays, taking in concerts, maybe shooting a couple rounds at the gun range and doing whatever I can at this very special place.

I love my Lord. I love my family. I love my church. And I love Liberty. I am ever so grateful for the life I have been given.

It’s been an honor and a privilege.

As I opened my classes in prayer, I always asked God to “teach us something today that we could use for his glory.” In retirement, I plan to keep asking him to help me learn something new every day that I can use for his glory.

Editor’s note: Traditionally, seniors on staff at the Champion have had a goodbye column at the end of the semester. After 30 years of service, it seemed fitting to give Huff the opportunity to do likewise, as she retires.

Deborah Huff is the retiring faculty advisor